‘Simply Baffled’ – When Tony Stewart Lashed Out At NASCAR Followers Over ‘Uneducated’ Criticism

Tony Stewart has by no means shied from talking his thoughts, and his 2024 goal was NASCAR followers. The Corridor of Famer unloaded on critics blaming him for Stewart-Haas Racing’s struggles, slamming “uneducated” claims that his NHRA drag racing commitments brought on the group’s decline.

Stewart’s fiery rebuttal got here amid fan backlash over SHR’s efficiency and his lowered presence at NASCAR occasions. However the three-time Cup champion insists the criticism misses the mark and divulges a elementary misunderstanding of his function.

Stewart Blasts Followers for Misplaced Blame Over SHR Struggles

Stewart’s frustration boiled over throughout a February 2024 interview. “I’m bored with listening to race followers complain that I’m not on the racetrack sufficient,” he mentioned.

“Someone has to have the widespread sense to remind these followers that I’m not the crew chief, I’m not the engineer, I don’t make the pit technique calls, I’m not the spotter—my job is to place the individuals in place to do these jobs.”

The backlash intensified after SHR’s two most skilled drivers, Kevin Harvick and Aric Almirola, retired in 2023. Followers accused Stewart of prioritizing his NHRA group, the place he races a High Gas dragster, over NASCAR. However Stewart argued the critiques ignored actuality.

“It reveals me how uneducated a few of these followers are and the way they begin speaking earlier than they give thought to what they’re saying. You possibly can’t be in each place each time, and I’m not going to go to each NASCAR race,” he insisted.

“Even when I wasn’t racing within the NHRA, I wouldn’t go to each NASCAR occasion. It doesn’t imply I don’t care about our race groups, it doesn’t imply I don’t care about our drivers, and it doesn’t imply I don’t care concerning the outcomes.”

He doubled down after shoulder surgical procedure in late 2023, which left him bedridden and scrolling social media.

“These individuals don’t have any clue as to what’s happening. They simply flip the TV on each Sunday and assume they know all the pieces. They usually don’t know something. It’s amusing to learn a few of it,” he mentioned.

“I’m confused and baffled by among the stuff that you simply learn, and the stuff you hear. Simply baffled.”

Tony Stewart’s Shifting Priorities From NASCAR Champion to NHRA Rookie

Stewart’s pivot to pull racing started in 2021 after marrying NHRA star Leah Pruett. He launched Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) in 2023, fielding automobiles for Pruett and Humorous Automobile champ Matt Hagan. However his lowered NASCAR presence fueled fan frustration, at the same time as SHR’s on-track woes deepened.

“For 20-plus years, NASCAR dominated my life. Now, I’m going to get a few of my life again and do among the issues I wish to do,” Stewart admitted.

“It doesn’t imply that if we don’t have the outcomes, I’m not placing effort into it. I don’t perceive why individuals would say, after two seasons that went tough, that it’s as a result of I’m not there.”

Followers, nonetheless, remained divided. Some praised his candor; others accused him of abandoning NASCAR. “It’s irritating on my aspect,” Stewart mentioned.

“It was an excellent reminder to only go do your factor. We don’t do all this for them, we do it for ourselves.”